Iceland
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
Except for foreign corporate donations. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
Except for foreign corporate donations. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
|
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
No
|
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Contributions from anonymous donors may not be accepted. If a political party or a candidate receives contributions from an unknown donor, the contribution has to be delivered to the Treasury if there is no opportunity to refuse its acceptance. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Contributions from anonymous donors may not be accepted. If a political party or a candidate receives contributions from an unknown donor, the contribution has to be delivered to the Treasury if there is no opportunity to refuse its acceptance. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Contributions from enterprises in which a majority is owned, or which is controlled by, the state or municipalities may not be accepted. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Contributions from enterprises in which a majority is owned, or which is controlled by, the state or municipalities may not be accepted. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Contributions from enterprises in which a majority is owned, or which is controlled by, the state or municipalities may not be accepted. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Contributions from enterprises in which a majority is owned, or which is controlled by, the state or municipalities may not be accepted. Source
Article 6 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
No
|
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
Political organisations and candidates may not accept contributions from private persons and legal entities exceeding ISK 400,000 per year. Source
Article 7 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
Annual regular limit of ISK 400,000 applies.
Source
Article 7 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
No
Comment
No specific limit in relation to an election exists. However, political organisations and candidates may not accept contributions from private persons and legal entities exceeding ISK 400,000 per year, see question 16. Source
Article 7 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
Political organisations and candidates may not accept contributions from private persons and legal entities exceeding ISK 400,000 per year. Source
Article 7 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
ISK 400,000 per year.
Source
Article 7 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
Yes, donation limit for private persons apply
|
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Donation limit (ISK 400,000 per year) applies to both cash and in-kind donations. Source
Donations are defined as any direct financial contribution or any other item which has a financial value, regardless of its origin or nature (cash or in kind). GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.5. |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Donation limit (ISK 400,000 per year) applies to both cash and in-kind donations. Source
Donations are defined as any direct financial contribution or any other item which has a financial value, regardless of its origin or nature (cash or in kind). GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.5. |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Public funding is granted to support operational activities of political parties. According to the political parties interviewed at the time of the GET’s visit, public funding constituted some 60% to 90% of their revenue. Party subsidies may thus not be used for any commercial or private purpose. GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.4. |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
If a campaign is financed through a loan, details must be provided on the identity of the lender, the amount of the borrowing and the lending terms. Source
Article 21: If a campaign is financed through borrowings, a detailed account shall be given of the lender, the amount of the borrowing and lending terms in the notes in the financial report of the campaign. If the term of a loan extends beyond the accounting period, the National Audit Office shall be informed annually of the position of the debt of the campaign. Cancellations of debts and obviously favourable loan terms shall be assessed as a contribution by the lender to the campaign. Rules on the financial accounts of political parties - National Audit Office (2007). |
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
If a campaign is financed through a loan, details must be provided on the identity of the lender, the amount of the borrowing and the lending terms. Source
Article 21: If a campaign is financed through borrowings, a detailed account shall be given of the lender, the amount of the borrowing and lending terms in the notes in the financial report of the campaign. If the term of a loan extends beyond the accounting period, the National Audit Office shall be informed annually of the position of the debt of the campaign. Cancellations of debts and obviously favourable loan terms shall be assessed as a contribution by the lender to the campaign. Rules on the financial accounts of political parties - National Audit Office (2007). |
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
No data
|
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Yes
Source
Article 19: A candidate must always open a separate bank account for the campaign, through which all cash deposits and withdrawals in connection with the campaign must pass. Separate accounts shall be kept of expenses relating to the campaign, as well as income, whether in the form of cash payments or contributions in other form. All entries in the accounts shall be based on adequate source documents or data, such as the originals of invoices, receipts for contributions received, etc. Rules on the financial accounts of political parties - National Audit Office (2007). |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
Comment
Parties that obtain at least one seat in the parliament or receive more than 2.5 per cent of votes in the last general elections are entitled to public funding. Moreover, political parties who field candidates in all constituencies in parliamentary elections may, upon the conclusion of the elections, apply for a special financial grant from the Treasury to cover expenses incurred in their election campaign, of a maximum of ISK 3 million. Source
Article 3 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Comment
Parties that obtain at least one seat in the parliament or receive more than 2.5 per cent of votes in the last general elections are entitled to public funding. Moreover, political organisations who field candidates in all constituencies in elections to the Parliament may, upon the conclusion of the elections, apply for a special financial grant from the Treasury to cover expenses incurred in their election campaign, of a maximum of ISK 3 million. Source
Article 3 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Proportional to votes received
Source
Article 3 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
No
|
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Some form of indirect funding of election campaigns is provided through free broadcasting time on the State-owned television channel at the time of election campaigns. There are no specific provisions on media space, but, according to the Law No. 53/2000 on Broadcasting, all radio and television stations are bound by the basic rules of democracy and freedom of expression. On this basis, parties are treated equally when allocating air time. GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.5. |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Equal
Source
Some form of indirect funding of election campaigns is provided through free broadcasting time on the State-owned television channel at the time of election campaigns. There are no specific provisions on media space, but, according to the Law No. 53/2000 on Broadcasting, all radio and television stations are bound by the basic rules of democracy and freedom of expression. On this basis, parties are treated equally when allocating air time. GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.5. |
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
No
|
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
Yes
Source
Legal persons donating to a political party qualify for a tax-exemption of up to 0.75% of their income (Article 31(2), Law No. 90/2003 on Income Tax).
|
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
No
|
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
|
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Comment
It is banned to offer anyone money or advantages in order to have an effect on whether they cast a vote or for whom they cast a vote, to deprive a person or to threaten a person with the deprivation of his or her job or advantages for the same purpose, to promise money or advantages to a person if an election turns out this way or that way. Source
Article 117 - Parliamentary Elections Law (2000), last amended in 2017. |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
No
|
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The spending limit per candidate is sum of the fixed amount of ISK 1 million and a surplus calculated based on the number of voters per constituency, in range from ISK 75 to ISK 175 per voter. Source
Article 7 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Depends on the constituency.
Comment
The spending limit per candidate is sum of the fixed amount of ISK 1 million and a surplus calculated based on the number of voters per constituency, in range from ISK 75 to ISK 175 per voter Source
Article 7 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
No
|
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
|
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No data
|
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
No
|
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political parties are obliged to submit annual financial reports to the NAO by 1 October every year. Political parties must keep consolidated accounts for all units they are comprised of, such as subsidiary associations, constituency boards, holding companies and related self-governing institutions. Party units with income less than ISK 400,000 per year may be omitted from the consolidated account reporting. Political organizations shall entrust auditors with auditing their financial statements. Source
Articles 8 and 9 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
No
Comment
The legislation does not require parties to provide separate campaign-related financial reports. OSCE/ODIHR (2017), Iceland, Early Parliamentary Elections, 28 October 2017 OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report. OSCE/ODIHR, Warsaw. |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Candidates must prepare election campaign reports, listing all contributions and expenses related to the campaign, endorsed by an auditor or examiner with accounting expertise. Candidates must deliver their endorsed financial statements to the National Audit Office no later than three months after elections took place. Source
Articles 10 and 11 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
No
|
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The NAO publishes summaries displaying total contributions and expenditures together with the sources of donations exceeding ISK 200,000. Source
Articles 9 and 11 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
All donations from legal persons and donations from natural persons exceeding ISK 200,000. Source
Articles 9 and 11 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Source
Political parties: Article 15 - Rules on the financial accounts of political parties - National Audit Office (2007). Candidates: According to a standardised draft form being prepared by the National Audit Office, a candidate’s financial report is to include the following elements: (i) Endorsement of the financial statements (sworn statement of the candidate referring to the veracity of the income and expenditure declared) (ii) Auditor’s report (iii) Income statement specifying the campaign period, including: (a) Information on income: donations on legal persons (including name of legal person, nature and amount of donation); donations from individuals, local governments, candidates own contribution, contributions from the political party (including nature and amount of donation); and other income. (b) Information on expenditure: campaign office, advertising and promotional expenses, meeting and travelling expenses, other operational expenditure, other expenditure. (iv) Balance sheet (assets and liabilities) (v) Notes on donations received from legal persons (including name of legal person, nature and amount of donation) and from individuals, local governments, candidates own contribution, contributions from the political party (overall totals including nature and amount of donation). Moreover, when there is substantial surplus or deficit of the campaign, the notes should also contain details on what will be done with the surplus or who will be paying for the deficit of the campaign. In addition, the notes are to provide explanations concerning liabilities (identity of the lender, the amount of the borrowing and the lending terms). GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.9 and 10. |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Source
Political parties: Article 15 - Rules on the financial accounts of political parties - National Audit Office (2007). Candidates: According to a standardised draft form being prepared by the National Audit Office, a candidate’s financial report is to include the following elements: (i) Endorsement of the financial statements (sworn statement of the candidate referring to the veracity of the income and expenditure declared) (ii) Auditor’s report (iii) Income statement specifying the campaign period, including: (a) Information on income: donations on legal persons (including name of legal person, nature and amount of donation); donations from individuals, local governments, candidates own contribution, contributions from the political party (including nature and amount of donation); and other income. (b) Information on expenditure: campaign office, advertising and promotional expenses, meeting and travelling expenses, other operational expenditure, other expenditure. (iv) Balance sheet (assets and liabilities) (v) Notes on donations received from legal persons (including name of legal person, nature and amount of donation) and from individuals, local governments, candidates own contribution, contributions from the political party (overall totals including nature and amount of donation). Moreover, when there is substantial surplus or deficit of the campaign, the notes should also contain details on what will be done with the surplus or who will be paying for the deficit of the campaign. In addition, the notes are to provide explanations concerning liabilities (identity of the lender, the amount of the borrowing and the lending terms). GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.9 and 10. |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
Auditing agency
Comment
The National Audit Office. Source
Articles 9 and 11 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Auditing agency
Comment
The National Audit Office. Source
The National Audit Office is vested with wide investigative powers to, at any time, call for all necessary documents to verify that the funding received by political parties complies with the requirements of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure. It is not, however, empowered to request supporting further evidence (e.g. receipts, invoices) concerning candidates’ accounts. GRECO (2008), Evaluation Report on Iceland - Transparency of Party Funding (Theme II), p.10.
|
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Refer for investigation
Carry out investigation
Request additional information from potential violator
Comment
When it comes to political parties. No such powers regarding candidates' accounts. |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Source
Article 12 of the Act on the Finances of Political Organisations and Candidates and their Information Disclosure (2006), last amended in 2011. |
